Mack Brown Compares Arch Manning To Legendary Texas QB Amid Growing Hype

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 1:15 PM ET

Arch Manning may be carrying the weight of college football royalty, but he’s handling the pressure with the poise of a seasoned veteran. And according to Mack Brown, the Texas Longhorns sophomore reminds him of one of the greatest quarterbacks in school history.

Brown appeared on "The Stampede" podcast and shared his thoughts on how Manning presented himself during SEC Media Days, drawing a direct comparison to former Texas superstar Vince Young.

Young led Texas to its last national championship in 2005 with a memorable Rose Bowl win over the USC Trojans.

“I was so impressed with [Manning] at media day,” Brown said. “Steve Spurrier said if he’d been that good, he would have started over Quinn, and they asked him about it and he said, ‘Oh, Coach Spurrier is a great coach. Next question.’ So he was smooth, and he’s been raised right.”

Brown has known the Manning family for decades, having recruited Peyton, Cooper and Eli and staying close with Archie. That perspective gives weight to his praise.

“Archie is a dear friend of mine, and I recruited both boys. In fact, all three with Cooper. ... They’re the first family of college and pro football, probably, because they’ve all played.”

But it’s not just the name that’s impressed Brown — it’s Arch Manning's humility.

“He also seems like he listens," Brown said. "He’s very humble. He said too much has been written about me, more than I’ve accomplished. I mean, he is kind of self-deprecating. But I like it. He’s a whole lot like Vince at the same age.”

That’s lofty praise coming from the coach who guided Young to a national title. Manning is set to take over as Texas’ starting quarterback in 2025, and with the program entering the SEC, expectations are sky-high. But if Brown’s comparison holds true, Longhorns fans may be in for something special.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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